Giggs keen to end Chelsea's run

Manchester United veteran Ryan Giggs is hoping his team can hand Chelsea their first defeat of the Barclays Premier League season and bring a halt to the Blues' blistering form which has seen them drop just two points so far this campaign.

The 38-year-old Welshman knows what it takes to win a league title having been a key man in United's success in recent years. And he also knows his side cannot allow Chelsea to stretch their lead at the top of the table.

"We recognise we cannot afford to let Chelsea get too far ahead in the title race," Giggs said. "They are four points in front and have got off to a good start so it is a big game."

Giggs also believes it is important to start the game well - something United have struggled to do in all competitions this season having fallen behind eight times in 12 matches.

"You cannot go throughout a season and keep going behind and having to rely on the lads up front to score the goals," he said. "It is something we have looked at and are still looking at."

Another standout fixture will take place at Goodison Park, where Everton face Merseyside rivals Liverpool. Everton are already six points and eight places better off than the Reds, and defender Phil Jagielka believes that has given this derby a different feel to others he has played in.

"I think it's a strange one. Normally we are desperate to beat them just because it's Liverpool," the England international said. "This time we would love to beat them but we have to think about keeping ourselves up towards the top of the league."

Champions Manchester City will have something of a point to prove following their European defeat at Ajax in midweek when they entertain Swansea. Arsenal will host basement side QPR as the Gunners look for a positive end to a dismal week which saw them lose to Norwich and Schalke.

Alan Pardew's Newcastle play West Brom hoping to build on their battling draw in last week's Tyne-Wear derby.

In other fixtures, winless Reading host Fulham, Sunderland travel to Stoke, Wigan take on West Ham, Aston Villa host Norwich and Southampton will be on the hunt for their second victory of the campaign when they take on Tottenham at St Mary's.